The town hall attracted more than 400 residents to the University of Pacific's Long Theater for the meeting that lasted from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Participants in the town hall included Mayor Ann Johnston, Deputy Police Chief Rick Salcedo and District Attorney James Willett. But a woman named Robina Ashgar may have had the most important impact.

Ashgar heads up the organization Community Partnership for Families of San Joaquin. She explained her group helps dozens of active agencies work together to bring relief to people or families in crisis.

"Because we're working in isolation, we don't know what others are doing," said panel member Pastor Glenn Shields of the Progressive Community Church. "I've never heard of her organization."

One other theme Thursday night was the pledge to make sure positive work happens in the days ahead.

"Change is one person at a time," Deputy Chief Salcedo said. "If you can mentor, or minister, that's where change will happen.